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Details of how to book are contained in the newsletter sent to members.
Links to other web sites open in new windows.
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Friday 26 Mar 2010
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CROOME COURT AND PARK, WORCESTERSHIRE
Croome Court, an 18th century mansion house, mostly by Robert Adam and James Wyatt, was
opened to visitors for the first time in September 2009. The Parkland, where Lancelot
‘Capability’ Brown proved his potential as an architect and a landscape gardener and
established a new style of garden design, has been owned by the NT since 1996. The recent
acquisition of the Court gives visitors the opportunity to see the stunning views, crafted by
Brown, from the windows of the house. Visitors are able to soak up the atmosphere of six of the
ground floor rooms in the mansion (all displayed empty), including the Long Gallery created by
Robert Adam, and the Saloon where the 6th Earl of Coventry entertained King George III, and are
invited to experience the sounds, images and objects that bring the story of Croome to life.
During the war the RAF requisitioned Croome Park and the 1940’s buildings have been restored
to house new visitor facilities, including a shop, exhibition of poignant wartime photographs and
a 1940’s style canteen (tea shop) where refreshments will be available throughout our visit.
There is a 10 -15 minute walk from Reception to the Court but a shuttle service is available for
members with mobility problems. There is also a personal individual vehicle available for
exploring the Park which can be requested at time of booking.
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RLB
Depart Riverside Coach Station 9.00am.
Leave Croome 4.00pm. ETA Bath 6.30pm
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Tuesday 13 Apr 2010
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VAN GOGH EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY, PICCADILLY
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RLB
Depart Riverside Coach Station 8.45am.
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Wednesday 28 Apr 2010
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ARUNDEL AND REPLICA OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL
The seats of the Dukes of Norfolk are set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds, Arundel Castle is one
of the great treasure houses of England and is home to priceless works of art.
Come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculptures and
carvings, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings. There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great
castle, built at the end of the first century by Roger de Montgomery.
We are going to have a coffee break on the way and visit the castle on arrival, then have free time to
explore this beautiful medieval town with its unusual shops, cosy cafes and restaurants and
variety of historic buildings.
We will then travel to nearby Goring-by-Sea, to visit the reproduction of the Sistine Chapel. Only
two Sistine Chapel ceilings exist in the world, One was painted in 1508 by Michelangelo Buonarroti in
Vatican City, the second was painted in 1988 by Gary Bevans in the English Martyrs Church.
He began work after a pilgrimage to Rome when he was only 33 years old. It took him 5 years to
complete single handedly this unique undertaking. Today it remains the only full sized copy in the
world, with the advantage that it is 30ft. nearer to the ground than the original.
The ceiling in its entirety can only be truly appreciated by standing beneath it in real life.
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RLB
Depart Riverside Coach Station 8.00am.
ETA Bath 7.00pm
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21 to 27 June 2010
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BERLIN AND DRESDEN
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Key to pick-up points: R=Riverside Coach Park; L=Laura Place;
B=Balustrade; F=Forester Road.
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